Conference will present results of program's efforts to build critical mass and global recognition of research activities in Hawaii

The Hawaiʻi Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) is hosting its inaugural Statewide Conference on Thursday, Sept. 16, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort, Kona Moku Ballroom. The conference will feature various speakers who will discuss the impacts of the EPSCoR program on research across the University of Hawaiʻi system and the broader implications on economic diversification across the state.

EPSCoR is a federal designation that applies to academic organizations, commercial entities and government agencies across the entire state of Hawaiʻi. EPSCoR, a joint program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and several U.S. states and territories, and similar programs in other federal agencies are targeted at improving the proposal writing and funding competitiveness of organizations in states that historically garner a less than equitable share of federal research and development funds.

The conference will present research results from the UH system‘s NSF-funded Research Infrastructure Improvement grant, "Investing in Multidisciplinary University Activities (IMUA) through NSF Hawaiʻi EPSCoR." This project is building critical mass in Hawaiʻi and global recognition for integration of research in ecosystems studies, evolutionary genetics, and information systems technology for environmental research. Faculty and students from UH Mānoa, UH Hilo and the UH community colleges are involved in this program.

The public is welcome to attend this first annual conference to learn about some of the exciting projects IMUA NSF Hawaiʻi EPSCoR has enabled since its initial award in April 2003, and to discuss with program administrators how other organizations may participate in EPSCoR-related activities.

In addition to the panel of speakers, researchers and students will be on hand to present posters from selected projects and discuss their work. It will be an excellent opportunity to talk story with a variety of people about environmental research, education, federal grants and project development.

For more information and to register for the conference, visit the EPSCoR Web site at www.epscor.hawaii.edu or contact Terrilani Chong in Hilo at (808) 933-3325. Seating is limited for the conference and early reservations are recommended.